OSP: No Oregon road deaths on the Fourth
Oregon State Police said Thursday their preliminary information indicates no known reported traffic fatalities occurred in the state over the 30-hour Fourth of July holiday reporting period.
The reporting period was between 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, and 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, July 4.
According to ODOT’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), since 1970 there has only been one other fatal-free Fourth of July holiday period which occurred 33 years ago (1979) during a similar 30-hour reporting period.
OSP troopers reported 21 DUII arrests statewide during the 30-hour reporting period. Nearly 90 percent of the reported arrests occurred on July 4.
Last year, troopers reported 110 DUII arrests over the 78-hour holiday reporting period.
Arrest statistics provided by OSP dispatch centers show five OSP offices reported two or more DUII arrests:
* Albany Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* Coos Bay Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* Astoria Area Command office – 2 DUII arrests
* Bend Area Command office – 2 DUII arrests
* The Dalles Area Command office – 2 DUII arrests
According to ODOT FARS, the Fourth of July holiday period is the deadliest holiday period of the year on Oregon roads. Nearly 300 people have died on Oregon roads during this holiday period since 1970. Last year, three people died in two separate fatal traffic crashes.
OSP troopers will continue stepped up enforcement efforts as part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) through Sunday, July 8.
Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation urge travelers to follow these safety reminders for the upcoming post-holiday weekend and summer months:
* Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.
* Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Share the road. Don’t tailgate and check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
* Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly.
* Don’t drink and drive.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Everyone plays an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
